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Stories of Hope

Breast Cancer: Words of Inspiration

Article date:
September 28, 2012

"When we embrace uncertainty, it can be very liberating. If you can accept the uncertainty, it allows you to live life every day." - Victor Gospodinoff

For many who are facing a breast cancer diagnosis, hearing from others who've been through one already can be a great source of comfort and support. Find inspiration and hope in these words of wisdom from breast cancer survivors, caregivers, researchers and doctors.

The American Cancer Society has events, programs and services to help people connect, and give each other the practical and emotional support they need.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is our signature event to honor breast cancer survivors, raise awareness about the disease, and help save lives. More than 270 events take place in local communities every year.

In our Reach to Recovery program, volunteers who are themselves breast cancer survivors provide education and emotional support to people facing a breast cancer diagnosis or treatment.

Share your cancer experiences with people who understand in one of our online communities.

For round-the-clock assistance, our National Cancer Information Center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with Cancer Information Specialists ready to answer questions and help you find local resources Call 1-800-227-2345 or email us any time.

I joined a wonderful support group of young women with various types of cancer. I discovered a whole community of survivors who “got” what I was dealing with, in a way that someone who hasn’t heard the words, “You have cancer” could not.

I am much better to myself. I give myself permission to do totally silly things just because I feel like it. I turn my music loud and sing, even though I can’t carry a tune. I got myself a sweet little dog from a rescue center. She brings such total joy to me. She reminds me how much fun it is to just be silly and free-spirited.

There are so many blessings that, at times, they seem to outweigh the negatives. First, I never felt more fully embraced and loved by family and friends. It was the most heartwarming experience to have a reason to tell people on a daily basis how much they meant to me, and to hear the same from them. For the first time in my life, I learned to put my own needs first. I gave myself permission to take care of myself. Instead of saying “later” to things, I said “yes.”

To me, survivorship is very much an attitude; it’s a state of mind. How we interpret the experience of cancer and integrate it into our lives is fundamental to how we coexist with it. I have learned that hope is forever changing, and healing can come without curing.

Keep the faith, Baby. My positive attitude, my spirit, my will to live, made a world of difference. I knew things could always be worse. I had to hold on to something to give me hope, and I held onto God.

My advice is to remember that only you can fight your cancer. Other people can do the laundry, make meals, and even wipe away tears. You must – even if it’s the first time in your life – think of yourself first. No one can fight this battle as well as you can.

I think that all the words of encouragement that were offered, not only to me but to my husband, were the most precious to our family. Sure, I had to deal with cancer, but my husband had to deal with me and the cancer. I truly am thankful for all the kindnesses he received.

Few people would have known I was going through treatment. I worked very hard to look normal, but I felt terrible. Now, when I see a crabby person, I realize I have no idea what he or she is going through. I have much more patience and empathy for others. At the same time, I have found an inner strength that many don’t have. Pain means nothing to me anymore. It just means I am alive.

I am a firm believer in prayer. It calms me and gives me peace in times that I am spinning with emotions. It gives me someone to tell everything – however I want to say it – rather than picking the things that are appropriate for the person I’m talking to or working to say what I mean without seeming ungrateful or selfish or rude. I believe God knows me and understands what I need.

Since my diagnosis and treatment, I look for opportunities to wrap every fiber of my being around life. I pay attention to the quiet voices that nudge me out of the safe zone; I celebrate time with those who understand the power of the possible.

When I let go of my ego, I realized that I was letting go of the need to be perfect. I was no longer angry about my reflection in the mirror. I was able to look at my reconstructed breast and not have my heart sink to my stomach. When I let go of my need to be perfect, my ego, I was then able to experience the Universe as a loving place where I am free to be imperfect!

Every time I volunteer with the American Cancer Society – whether I'm holding a cancer patient's hand at an outpatient clinic or rallying a team for Relay For Life – I feel like I'm fighting back. Volunteering turns all my feelings of grief and powerlessness towards cancer into real power.

I did well. I told myself that I needed to be strong for my husband, my children and my family. I had moments when I let my thoughts take over and I cried and I cried and that's okay. But I got myself together and took care of my family the best I could.

~ Amy, breast cancer survivor

I have begun running and now run three to five times a week, for thirty-five minutes. I’m in better shape now than before I had cancer.

I'm just a regular person who got breast cancer. Everyone who has been affected by breast cancer is just a “regular person.” Moms, daughters, sisters and best friends – this disease is non-discriminating.